Lead

The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee has postponed its scheduled hearing on the Korea Football Association (KFA), originally set for July 22, amid ongoing negotiations between rival parties over the formation of the committee. The decision comes after the committee had voted to hold the hearing despite a boycott by lawmakers from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP).

Coverage Comparison

Initial reports from Yonhap News indicated that the committee had finalized plans for the hearing, naming 13 witnesses including former head coach Hong Myung-bo and former KFA President Chung Mong-gyu. However, a subsequent report detailed the postponement, citing ongoing negotiations between the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the PPP over committee chair appointments. The committee chair, DP lawmaker Lee Jae-jung, confirmed the delay, stating that negotiations between floor leaders were in their final stages. The DP has indicated it will seek to hold the hearing before the end of the month, though no new date has been set.

Key Claims

  • The parliamentary sports committee initially voted to hold the hearing on July 22, according to Yonhap News.
  • The hearing was later postponed due to ongoing negotiations between the rival parties, as reported by Yonhap News.
  • Former head coach Hong Myung-bo announced he will attend the hearing and answer all questions, apologizing for the team's performance and stating he will not evade any questions.
  • The committee has named 13 witnesses, including Hong Myung-bo, Chung Mong-gyu, South Korea captain Son Heung-min, and Hwang Hee-chan.
  • The KFA has said it will cooperate with the parliamentary procedure, and active officials chosen as witnesses will attend.
  • The initial committee session was held without lawmakers from the main opposition People Power Party, who have been boycotting committee meetings in protest against the DP's unilateral election of committee chairs.

Perspectives

Democratic Party (DP)

DP lawmaker Lee Jae-jung, who chairs the committee, supported the hearing to look into the KFA's management and coach appointment process, and has sought to reschedule it before the end of the month.

People Power Party (PPP)

The main opposition party has been boycotting all parliamentary committees in protest of the DP's unilateral appointment of committee chairs, leading to the postponement.

Hong Myung-bo

The former head coach has expressed willingness to attend the hearing, taking responsibility for the team's World Cup elimination and stating he will answer all questions.

Korea Football Association (KFA)

The KFA has committed to cooperating with the parliamentary procedure, with active officials set to attend as witnesses.